JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs Reaction Audio PV-15X

Short answer: the JTR Speakers Captivator S2 if sound quality matters most, the Reaction Audio PV-15X if price matters most. The JTR Speakers Captivator S2 ranks #9 of 110 subwoofers, rated 4.5/5, at $3995. The Reaction Audio PV-15X ranks #21, rated 4.4/5, at $1999, $1996 cheaper.

The case for the Reaction Audio PV-15X: 15-inch ported driver delivers 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet. Set against that: Passive design requires a separate external amplifier and weighs 68 kg (149.9 lbs).

One note: the Reaction Audio PV-15X is discontinued, but it still ranks #21 of 110 subwoofers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.

Buy the JTR Speakers Captivator S2 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Reaction Audio PV-15X if the price is the priority over sound quality.

Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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The Two Speakers In Full

JTR Speakers Captivator S2: $3995 eBay

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 115.1 dB at 20 Hz and 129.4 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 2x 18” (457mm) drivers has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.

Cons: The 1016.0H x 533.4W x 457.2D mm cabinet and 99.8 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. A sealed cabinet still needs careful placement and calibration to avoid room-mode peaks.

Notes: Replaced by “RS2”

Full JTR Speakers Captivator S2 review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Aux Input	No
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	129.4 dB
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States
Dimensions	40"H x 21"W x 18"D (1016.0 x 533.4 x 457.2 mm)
Drivers	2x 18" (457mm) drivers
Enclosure	sealed
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (balanced), RCA
Measurement Source	Data-bass
Optical Input	No
Output SPL at 10 Hz	100.3 dB
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz	103.3 dB
Output SPL at 15 Hz	108.7 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	115.1 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	119.7 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	124.8 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	129.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	130.3 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	129.4 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	128.5 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	128.1 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	128.0 dB
RCA Input	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	5/3
Weight	220 lbs (99.8 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • JTR Speakers Captivator S2 Website
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Independently measured by Data-bass; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Reaction Audio PV-15X: $1999 Discontinued eBay

Pros: 15-inch ported driver delivers 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet.

Cons: Passive design requires a separate external amplifier and weighs 68 kg. Discontinued.

Full Reaction Audio PV-15X review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	126.2 dB
Dimensions	18"H x 22"W x 29"D (457.2 x 558.8 x 736.6 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	15" (381mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Measurement Source	Data-bass
Output SPL at 15 Hz	105.3 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	111.3 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	116.1 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	119.8 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	125.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	126.8 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	126.1 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	126.5 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	126.4 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	126.1 dB
Weight	149.9 lbs (68 kg)

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Independently measured by Data-bass; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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